Fugitive Indian preacher Zakir Naik has faced significant criticism from various communities after he defended the Taliban’s restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan. In a video, Naik asserted that the Taliban had only postponed secondary and higher education for girls due to security concerns and a lack of female teachers. He claimed that Afghan women were still pursuing advanced degrees in Islamic studies, a statement that has drawn ire from journalists, activists, and scholars across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Naik, who currently resides in Malaysia, stated, “Everything that comes in the media is not true,” suggesting that his understanding of the situation was based on direct conversations with Taliban representatives. He argued that delaying education until the right conditions were met was not problematic. This assertion has been met with skepticism and condemnation from various quarters, including prominent figures in education and human rights.

Among the critics is Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who described Naik’s justification as “deeply troubling and disappointing.” His comments reflect a broader concern regarding the narrative that Naik has presented, which many see as an attempt to legitimise the Taliban’s actions.

Naik’s Background and Legal Troubles

Zakir Naik has been living in Malaysia since 2016, following allegations that his speeches inspired one of the terrorists involved in the Dhaka cafe attack. He faces multiple charges in India, including promoting religious hatred and engaging in unlawful activities, all of which he has denied. Despite India’s efforts to extradite him, Naik has secured permanent residency in Malaysia, raising questions about the Malaysian government’s stance on his presence in the country.

In his recent comments, Naik claimed to have discussed the educational restrictions with Taliban officials, asserting that girls could study until Class 6 but that higher education was postponed due to safety concerns. He also mentioned a shortage of female teachers as a reason for the delays. However, these claims contradict reports from international organisations, including UNICEF, which highlight the severe restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in August 2021.

According to UNICEF’s August report, over 2.6 million Afghan girls have been denied secondary education since the Taliban’s takeover. The report indicates that girls have been barred from formal education beyond Class 6 since September 2021, and women have been excluded from universities since December 2022. This situation has led Afghanistan to become the only country globally where secondary and higher education is effectively inaccessible to girls and women.

Criticism from Afghan Voices and Scholars

Mariam Solaimankhil, a member of Afghanistan’s Parliament in Exile, ridiculed Naik’s assertion that girls were merely waiting for female teachers, pointing out the contradiction in the Taliban’s policies. Mahbob Shah Mahbob, editor of Afghan International Pashto, echoed this sentiment by questioning Naik’s characterisation of the restrictions as a mere postponement rather than a complete ban on education.

Naik’s remarks have not only drawn criticism from Afghan voices but have also prompted responses from Indian scholars. A Faizur Rahman, an Indian Islamic scholar, expressed surprise at Naik’s support in Malaysia, questioning the Malaysian Prime Minister’s decision to allow him to remain in the country. The ongoing backlash against Naik’s statements highlights the urgent need for dialogue on the education rights of Afghan girls, especially as the Taliban’s restrictions continue into their sixth year.

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